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Science Parks world conference spotlights innovation
Dr Neville Comins, CEO of The Innovation Hub attended the 2003 International Association of Science Parks (IASP) 20th World Conference in Lisbon, Portugal in June. The theme of the conference was 'Habitats of Excellence - Managing and Promoting Innovation'. The growing interest world-wide in Science Parks was illustrated by the attendance of 575 delegates from 55 countries, without the participation of the usually substantive contingent from China and Hong Kong, absent because of SARS.
The conference confirmed the focus, in many countries, to strengthen their National Systems of Innovation and in particular the stimulation of Science Parks as strategic assets. The commercialisation of intellectual property from local research bases was seen as of increasing importance and the need for new approaches from universities in support of such objectives was highlighted. Within this context, the development of business incubators on Science Parks received strong support and was becoming a standard feature. As had been found in The Innovation Hub's pilot operations, growing emphasis is also being placed on pre-incubation in a number of countries to increase the successful transition of research to business.
While in the past, many Science Parks provided only well located real estate for high-tech companies, this was now seen as only a necessary condition. The emphasis is being placed on added-value services to tenants that provide both local and international support networks.
Attendance of the IASP Conference provided not just the presented papers but also an ideal opportunity to network and learn from the many experienced Science Park managers. South Africa, and for that matter Africa, is newly emerging in this field, and the support and advice received is of inestimable value. The network created provides an on-going source of information and business linkages for the Hub's tenant companies.
The Conference ended with a very fruitful afternoon at Targus Park, which provided good reinforcement for many features being establishing at the Hub. It will be remembered too for the hospitality of the hosts, the historical splendour of Portugal and the excellent organisation of the event.
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